There was a time when Maldon was at the forefront of heritage planning in Australia. But has the town lost its way, in terms of conserving its built and natural landscapes?

Many believe that the short answer is: yes.

A group called the Maldon Heritage Network was formed in 2023, due to the perception that heritage values in Maldon have been slipping in recent years. Its members aim to preserve and protect the town’s streetscapes, mining artefacts and landscapes as well as supporting the conservation of the area’s indigenous heritage. By working with residents, government and relevant parties, the group wants to put heritage back on the public agenda.

A community meeting held by the Maldon Heritage Network last Wednesday night at the Maldon Neighbourhood Centre attracted an interested crowd of residents. Tarrengower Ward’s new councillor-elect Rosalie Hastwell attended and contributed to the discussions.

With group member Robyn Ballinger directing traffic, a range of issues was covered.

They included:

• The closure of Carmans tunnel, with concern expressed at the loss of this tourist attraction and the perceived poor response from the government department responsible for its management.
• Significant trees – there are five trees over 500 years old in the township, with another five or six that are over 400 years old. These trees deserve greater protection.
• The town centre – new businesses moving in are not adhering to heritage guidelines when putting up signage or when painting the outside of shops. Also mentioned: ‘demolition by neglect’, with some old buildings falling into a sad state of disrepair.
• The proposed State Government planning regulations, which would overturn the old stipulation that a building should fit well into a neighbourhood – what are the implications for Maldon? Will these regulations override the town’s heritage overlay?
• Housing strategy – While there is no doubt that new homes will be built on Maldon’s outskirts, will it be possible to do this in such a way that the entrances to Maldon aren’t ‘trashed’?

One of the final comments on the night: “We need to get people talking about heritage again.”

Last week’s meeting was the second event organised by the Maldon Heritage Network. The first one was an event in July, where academic and town planner Trevor Budge delivered a presentation called Maldon’s Heritage: Why does it matter? You can read this at maldonmuseum.com.au – go to the page titled ‘Heritage Heros’.

Following the success of its first two events, the Maldon Heritage Network plans to promote Maldon’s heritage through a range of activities. You can email them at maldonheritagenetwork@protonmail.me for further information and also keep an eye out for future events in the [Tarrangower] Times.

This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 27 September 2024.